G.O: My tablet is working!!!

I have my tablet back! After a few weeks, I have it up and running, since last night. So, now I can get back to designing on my work and build on my old work. I should get back into the spoon flower contests too!

I have had to put so much work off, without it. I got straight back into practicing last night. I started right away with some free hand work - of a girl, then adding her clothes. Not as well drawn as I would have liked, but good enough. I wanted to practice outlining, and drawing with a base to apply layers above it. I did the odd process of drawing the body and adding the clothes and shading and hair, along with over details other a lot of layers.

I actually did her left hand backwards twice. But, other than some improvements I'm pretty happy. I think if I tried this again, I would use references for a better drawing overall.

I'll likely post my art soon, and I have made some already. I'm getting lots of practice in.

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G.O: My tablet is working!!!

G.O: With Pinterest

Embroidery

With all my cross stitch I have also done some broader stitch designs, not just just Cross stitch. But with my shoe project I thought it best to do some research and inspiration boards on designs for embroidery.

I found some great designs, that I would happily make for friends. Some I would make for me, and others that would be great gifts for others. This board has a great variety; with art-y designs, simple designs and some complex designs. The themes go from animal and floral to intricate designs.

My favorite at the moment is the bunny, below with the cutest bunny tail ever! I know exactly who to make this sweet piece for! However, I adore the portraits on this board too. They are really well made and intricate.

There's a lot here that could be used to inspire you to make something yourself, even something completely individual to you.
I'll share some of my own designs and stitch work from the shoes, as I go.

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My Board: Embriodery

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G.O: With Pinterest

C.W : Project Converse

Well some of my old shoes are getting a make over for a Changing Wardrobes post. I'm quite excited. I decided on a different theme on each shoe but working the colours and on shoes continuously hopping between them. I want the designs to flow on each shoe, they don't need  to match or work amazing together this is just more practice for me. But if they look a littler coherent, it would be nice. 

First they need the laces removing, to be cleaned and wiped down. The soles have holes, so I don't wear them as often anymore. So if this little project turns bad I'm gonna be fine with it. As for the these I have gone with I'll keep them a surprise for now.  I am going to start on the tongue of the shoe - best space for practice to me, and it seems like a nice place to start while I have ideas in my head. then the outside of the shoe, before curving round the back and onto the inside.

I'd like to design the whole shoe at a time. But despite me doodling ideas and maybe showing off some possible ideas. I'm going to plan only a few designs ahead. This should keep the design flowing and only space as its left rather than squishing all the designs into one area. Which I think would ruin the whole idea.

As for materials, you maybe have guessed it - I'm embroidering it again, not painting or drawing on these shoes. For a few reasons; 1. They are black, so harder to draw or paint on, but not impossible, 2. I need the practice, 3. It's a bit of fun, and its something I'd prefer. I painted and made up a pair in university to show off me as a person. I used paint, pens, glue and applique, all sorts. I want to see how I've developed my skills and learn something here.

So I know this isn't the most exciting piece at the moment but I'm looking forward to sharing doodles, designs and updates as I get on, with you all. And the final pieces.

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C.W : Project Converse

Pattern

Another Simplicity pattern

A simple dress with some variations, with a short bodice of an A-line dress and a long skirt. With variations on neckline, collar and sleeves. It's 6-16 so I've got so much room to play with the design, if I want to stray from the elegant dress.

Though a high a-line/empire line is not always the most flattering on me, a simple dress like this is a basic and having a long dress in my collection would be helpful, especially in this skirt shape. A V-neck often does flatter me, however, and having the sensible options for a collar and/or sleeves is nice to have.


I'm interested in what fabrics I'll use for a dress like this. Though I don't see myself using a patterned fabric - like a mad floral or anything too abstract or mad with colours. I might surprise myself though.

I think I'll use a bound edge like the one below A (option D), without sleeves. Though I might try to add a slit, after my first attempt. I'll definitely have some fun with this dress pattern.

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Pattern

G.O: With Pinterest

Cross Stitch

With all my work so far, with all my practicing cross stitch and embroidery I had to share some good ideas on Pinterest.

This board covers some interesting ideas - of different styles, I have tried to keep away from lists that rely on you following the link rather than giving a good image of what can be done. I have also tried to keep away from tips and advice, but kept a few important pieces of advice in there.

Everyone could learn something new, but I wanted some lovely inspiration on what I can make, if I set my mind to it.

Below are some of the cutest ideas, and nostalgic to me. There's some Christmas ones, cute patterns, intricate designs, and some simply amazing work, on this board, and I hope to keep adding to it as I look into some to inspire more of my own work.

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My Board: Cross Stitch

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* All images are from the interested board and belong to their original sources.

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G.O: With Pinterest

Blog I Love

I found Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing when I was looking at princess seams for car upholstery. Yes, this is a fashion and craft blog for mainly clothing and its history. But, I've been researching car covers for my dad - one of his projects - finished - will be sitting on the side lines for a while and English weather is not the best for it. I was thinking of princess seams to shape it a little more to the car, and I wanted to look at some shapes you can use.

Anyway, I was really happy to find this blog, even if it got me to procrastinate a little too much. I still got some work done and found a nice source to look into later for help with projects. Gertie shares tutorials, her own work and projects (including her collecting some Vogue patterns), and her published work - she has at least three books out on different themes. She's given advice on sewing, patterns, and given history and culture lessons to a larger audience. Bringing attention to skills, styles,  materials  and methods.

Her blog is a wonderful read. It's informative, clean, helpful, and interesting. It's a joy to read. I've left a few links, below, that I have found interesting or helpful. Though something I have loved is her personal style that shines through on so many of her projects for her to wear - whether its for everyday or for different occasions.

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* All images are from Getie's blog and are not mine
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/09/sewing-princess-seams.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2015/10/giveaway-winners-for-gerties-new.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2011/03/your-sewing-machine-overlock-stitch.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/06/twirl.html
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2015/08/the-daily-dress-50s-nautical-rope-detail.html

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Blog I Love

Pattern

A Simplicity Pattern 

A basic pattern of a vest top, and jacket with some variations.

This pattern from simplicity is not very exciting, but honestly its a basic piece to add to my collection.I can work with clothing pieces and make my own patterns from some basic pieces, but having something to show me the basic techniques and form help me from making some mistakes or bad choices.

When I brought this pattern I had to think hard if I even wanted it, but I didn't need a another basic dress or anything else that was similar to what I already had.This pattern has made me think of what patterns and fabrics I could use to make anything I make that little bit more special, and a step up from the basic piece it could be.

When I have a fabric in mind - I'll remember to share it, I hope you'll give me some feedback. Tell me if I'm going a little to mad with patterns or lace.

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Pattern

Blog I Love!

miss patina

This blog is an addition to the label Miss Patina's online site - providing a personal touch.

The blog covers a lot of topics, from their clothes and design, artists, to big fashion events and some history at times. Something that is important to their label.

The blog, right down to the rest of the site, is clean and with lots of white space -  the images are cutesy and with a theme of innocence. Styles of vintage fashions are mixed with the contemporary - using simple and detailed patterns. This mix creates a unique collection, year after year.

They give news, and insights to their work - showing mood boards and behind the scenes with models and photo shoots. They show off some exhibitions, museums and interviews with artists. 

Some favorite articles:

http://misspatina.com/blog/interview-with-artist-limzy/

http://misspatina.com/blog/miss-patina-cat-collection/

http://misspatina.com/blog/royal-ascot-then-and-now/

http://misspatina.com/blog/hello-my-name-is-paul-smith/

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* All photos are from the website and blog, they are not mine. Please, go to the website to see more.

http://misspatina.com/

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Blog I Love!

800 Views on my Blog!

I wanted to draw something and this is the result - only because my tablet isn't working. I need to reinstall some of the drivers. But I'm so happy I have 800 views on this blog. I am really proud of my blog, its been received so much attention lately.

I actually have 810 views - sorry I missed the point the other day. I wish I had been able to do something properly - a illustration or design to share on something other than paint would have been great.

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800 Views on my Blog!

Bookmarks

I bought a meter of this ribbon, and I am going to make some book marks! I thought this would be good practice, with a even and neat weave to allow the stitch work to be tidy. With them being bookmarks I need to be wary of the designs, the backs and how bulky they are.

I can easily make four without worrying about length. So, I have plenty to play with design themes and practicing my stitches.

My first piece was a request from my boy friend - a dragon themed one. I then asked him European or Asian styled dragons.  He likes both styles, hence the question and I asked him what colours. I choose a lot of green - which he likes, and I found a dragons cross stitch pattern on pinterest for the basic shape.

I tried free hand and I couldn't make up my mind on the shape, in my head I was thinking of a tapestry style dragon, side on and with a long neck and tail, with claws and horns and teeth.
In the order of them being stitched - left to right.

I haven't followed the cross stitch pattern, as I haven't used a cross stitch through any of the designs. The shape and angles, along with the colours and designs are changed from each dragon. I would have liked to have done something a little different, a little less heavy in the stitch work, but once I began it looked better with a filled in design. 

This one - to the right - all green with spines and touches of colour is my favorite. Though I love all the blue on the second one, and the top one has a lovely touch of colour on the neck.

This one is my favorite for the range of the shades the details despite this being the first one I stitched. I got the basic shape and I built on the shape and got something I really liked.

I'm hoping to share the rest of the results of my stitch work soon. I could use some practice, still.

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Bookmarks